Two weeks ago, I was asked some very good questions about the Transition House ministry. It reminded me that while our staff may be very familiar with the ministry, most of the church family only knows that we have it, but not much else about it. So for the next few weeks I will write a series of articles explaining what we do.
HOW ARE THE WOMEN SELECTED? WHO DECIDES? Although this is not written in stone, our women come only from the Charleston Center. It is a partnership that we have to meet a significant need n the community. (See last week’s article for details) One of the most difficult decisions I make is to say no to the many requests that come from individuals outside the Charleston Center. I get requests for someone’s brother, sister, aunt, cousin or neighbor. We could fill up 10 homes in a year with the requests we get. It is hard for some to understand we are not a detox center. The candidates for our house must come through the Charleston Center. That helps us know they have been screened and have begun the work necessary for recovery. Even that is no guarantee. We have had women find and use drugs the very first day they were in the house. And the very first day we find out about it they are out of the house.
To get into the house: First, the women must have completed their program at the Charleston Center. While at the Charleston Center, they must have achieved “mentor” status, the highest level of achievement that reflects good work, ability to get along and potential for success. That means they have met and exceeded all requirements of the program and have been put in to position of helping others in the program. Second, they must come with a personal recommendation from their counselor with details about their work and time at the Charleston Center. Third, they must attend Celebrate Recovery for a minimum of 4 weeks to give our members a chance to meet them, hear their stories and observe them in multiple settings (dinner, large group, and small group). Fourth, they must receive a recommendation from our female Celebrate Recovery leaders. If our leaders do not think they are a fit for us the decision is made. Fifth, they interview with me to make sure they understand who we are and what we are trying to do. Sixth, they must interview and be accepted by the current women in the house. Seventh, they have background checks and may have no child abuse or criminal acts of violence on their records (with the exception of the abuse that comes from their addiction like being pregnant while using...which is child abuse).
My guess is that most of us have never been that thoroughly screened for any job, except government, high level, and 007 type works. And they are screened this heavily just for a place to live. And still, we see them crash and burn. Addiction is a disease that has a high level of reoccurrence. It has its root in our sin and our sins. But it has progressed to a disease. There is only one cure...the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
See you Sunday, good Lord willing.
Pastor Tom
